Radiomorphological Parameters of the Foot Bones During the Talus Fracture Treatment Using the Ilizarov Apparatus

Abstract

Background: Talus fractures are one of the most dangerous injuries leading to serious consequences. Quite a lot of treatment methods have been proposed, but the use of the Ilizarov apparatus is relatively rare. Objective: To justify the use of the Ilizarov apparatus in the talus fracture treatment by studying radiomorphological parameters of the foot bones at different stages of follow-up. Methods: We used radiography and multislice computed tomography (MSCT) in 25 patients treated for talus injuries by the Ilizarov apparatus to study radiographic and radiomorphological features of the foot bones at different stages of follow-up. We analyzed normal parameters of the foot bones forming the ankle joint in 15 patients. Results and discussion: Dynamics of talus radiomorphology during its fracture or fracture-dislocation are characterized by a gradual increase in the bone density at the union site. The local density of the talus at the fracture site gradually increased and exceeded 500 HU in 6 months. The organotypic adjustment at the union site did not end by this time, given the architecture of the talus and the biomechanics of the foot. We observed a decrease in the total densities of the talus and calcaneus during fixation by the Ilizarov apparatus and their gradual return to normal values after removal of the apparatus. Conclusions: Talus fracture treatment by transosseous osteosynthesis using the Ilizarov apparatus makes it possible to get immediate good results, especially using a configuration with hinges allowing for early mobilization of the ankle joint and loading in the early stages of treatment.

Keywords

• fractures
• talus
• ilizarov apparatus
• radiography
• radiomorphology
• multislice computed tomography